Drag culture reached new heights in the Philippines in 2022, when the craft became part of Filipinos’ streaming habits through TV series spotlighting local drag artists. Since then, drag—a performance art once confined to nightclubs—has expanded to various platforms and spaces, from brunch shows in restaurants to lively games of drag bingo. This Pride Month, drag found a new home onstage, with theatrical productions celebrating its exuberance—one of which is Dalaga na si “Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza.”

A sequel to “Maxie The Musical”—itself adapted from the 2005 film “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”—the new musical follows Maxie’s life after losing her father and separating from her brother. In “Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros,” Maxie is now a 17-year-old trans woman. After a toxic experience in local beauty pageants, she begins pursuing a life as a drag artist with the help of Mama Tars, matriarch of the drag family House of Corazon. Throughout the musical, Maxie finds a new support system and strives to fulfill her dreams while confronting past traumas and navigating political inequality.

“Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros” brings everything audiences love about drag to the stage—powerful lip-sync performances, extravagant costumes, live singing, and boundary-pushing artistry. “I want people to see the many faces of drag,” says director Melvin Lee. “What they offer is very different. It acknowledges their strength as artists, because drag is an expression.”

What sets the show apart is its exploration of the behind-the-scenes lives of Filipino drag artists—most notably, how a drag family, like any family, is not perfect, but rooted in love, even when it’s delivered in tough ways. Through the House of Corazon, audiences witness how drag artists rally together when the system treats them unfairly. Melvin aims to elevate drag from pure entertainment to an art form that challenges societal norms.

“It’s not all about lip syncs and spectacle—there’s meaning behind it,” Melvin explains. “It’s their way of asserting their role in the community. Maxie is a device to examine drag culture. When you look at drag now, it’s not just about the facade or fabulosity—there’s depth to it.”

That depth is perfectly captured onstage, thanks to its stellar cast. Jamila Rivera, a fresh talent from Naga City, Camarines Sur, delivers a compelling performance as Maxie, capturing both the character’s innocence and quiet strength. Drag artists Zymba Ding, Corazon, Mrs. Tan, and Winter Sheason Nicole—alongside equally talented actors Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel—portray the queens of the House of Corazon with fierce energy, sass, and heart. Their bond shines not just during the performances at the bar, but also in moments of care and solidarity, like a chosen family. Their shared laughter, shade, struggles, and love form the emotional core of the play.

Alongside Melvin Lee, the production features the writing of Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, and the musical direction, arrangements, and original songs of JJ Pimpinio. “Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros” is presented by J+Productions under special arrangements with the original filmmakers and Ticket2Me, and line produced by PETA Plus.